Over 500 students from various public and private schools across the country observed the partial eclipse with other Nigerians at the space centre in Abuja on yesterday November 3, 2013.
Meanwhile, Lagos residents trooped out en masse to observe the natural astronomical event. Many of them were spotted standing outside their compound and trying to snap partial eclipse on their phones.
The excitement in many parts of Lagos ignited by the sighting of the partial eclipse of the sun was more profound at the Ikeja City Mall where many shoppers who had gone to shop at the popular Shoprite trooped out of the mega retail outlet to watch nature in action. Many of the shoppers seen outside the mall taking pictures of the eclipse said they will also record it in their dairies to remember the event.
The partial eclipse was sighted in Lagos at exactly 2.43 p.m. and lasted till 2.52 p.m.
People, who expressed excitement at the occurrence, told the reporters that it formed part of their fun for the weekend, while those that were watching with sun glasses told their colleagues that were watching without sun glasses that it could be dangerous.
“It is always fun to watch eclipse of the sun. What happened today is historic. It does not happen every time. It is symbolic. But it is dangerous watching with bare eyes because of the rays constantly flashed by the eclipse. It can cause ‘Apolo’,” Eugene Agwu, a septuagenarian said.
Abuja residents have expressed disappointment at their inability to observe the much awaited partial solar eclipse.
An Abuja resident, Mrs. Nnennaya Ebi, said it was a natural event most Nigerians will have loved to be part of.
“I don’t know if the eclipse happened. Its way past the time they predicted for the eclipse to occur but I am yet to notice any changes in the weather,” she said.
An Enugu resident, Mr. Ikenna Ogwo, who talked to the newsmen by telephone, also said there was no visible change during the period that was predicted for the occurrence.
Meanwhile, the head of media and corporate communications, NASRDA, Mr. Felix Ale, said the eclipse occurred.
“The eclipse started exactly by 1.03 p.m., as predicted by the Agency. If you are observant you would have noticed a slight change in the weather as if it was going to rain. I’m sure
people were anticipating to see a total darkness but it was only a partial eclipse like we predicted,” Mr. Ale said.
A solar eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and partially blocked the sun. Another partial eclipse would occur in April 2014, March 2015 and September 2016.
Did you witness the partial eclipse in your area? Please feel free to share your experiences!
